Age 89.

Ed was a man who lived life with a full heart, boundless energy, and a deep devotion to the people he loved.

His journey of service started early. At just 17, with his mom’s permission, Ed joined the Navy. He served with honor until 1957, reaching the rank of Chief Petty Officer, and continued his dedication through the Naval Reserves, retiring after 30 years.

But Ed’s life truly found its anchor in August of 1957. At a church picnic in Riverside, California, he met Mary Lou, the woman who became his true lifelong love. He was completely smitten. Within four short months, Ed had wooed Mary Lou and asked for her hand in marriage. Because California law at the time required one to be 21 to wed, Ed—still under the age limit—had to ask his mom for permission. Ed and Mary Lou married at St. John’s Church on December 14, 1957. They packed up and set off together for Detroit, Michigan, to begin their life as one right after the reception.

The years that followed were a beautiful, busy whirlwind, and Ed and Mary Lou built everything hand in hand, with help from family, especially his brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Ruth. Within just four years, they welcomed four children while Ed completed his bachelor’s degree. Together, they navigated those hectic early years with grace. Their family eventually grew to a bustling house of six children.

Dad brought a vibrant energy to the kids as they enjoyed winter sports like sledding, skiing, and ice skating, as well as summer sports like running, swimming, and biking. He ran seven marathons between 1982 and 1992. Ed was the adventurous leader who once guided his two oldest sons and a whole neighborhood crew of friends on an unforgettable bike ride all the way to Mackinac and back in a single week. But no matter how far he traveled, his absolute favorite place to move was the dance floor—or really, any floor. Dad truly loved to dance. He was always ready to shake, rock, and roll, bringing a joyful rhythm to the everyday moments by easily breaking into a full dance routine or a favorite song right in the middle of the kitchen.

That same kitchen was the heart of a cherished family tradition. Every single weekend, Ed would take over the morning shift, happily making eggs, his famous muffins, and his signature, uniquely tiny strips of bacon—ensuring everyone got exactly two. He did it so faithfully that when their daughter Cathy got married, she genuinely believed it was a universal marriage rule that husbands always made weekend breakfast! The tradition was so deeply ingrained that their son Louie kept it alive in his own home, clearly believing it was an official rule, too.

Ed was an incredibly hard worker, often juggling three jobs at once to provide for his family, all while being completely self-taught in so many areas of life. There was nothing he couldn't figure out; he fixed absolutely everything himself, from plumbing and electricity to working on cars, and he even dug out his own basement. Ed had an insatiable thirst for learning and knowledge. He loved languages and could often be found listening to tapes to teach himself Polish and Spanish. Through it all, he passed down a powerful work ethic as a permanent part of his legacy. He was also a natural mentor. Long before computer science degrees were common, Ed patiently taught family and extended family members how to program, quietly opening doors and launching many into fruitful, lifelong careers.

Through all the milestones, Ed loved the catholic church. He ran the race, and over time, his journey to know Jesus was fulfilled because of his fear of the Lord and God’s grace. Every week, they attended Mass as a family, striving to raise faith-filled children. They lovingly passed down the traditions they cherished, from carrying Easter baskets to be blessed to observing Lent and Advent.

Ed and Mary Lou created a magnificent, living legacy: 6 children, 16 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren. Ed showed us how to serve faithfully, love completely, and find joy in the simple moments.

Beloved husband of Mary Lou. Loving father of Elizabeth (Joe) Gross, Louis M. (Adelaide), Theresa (the late Terrence) McDowell, Marie Bernadette DeRafael, Catherine (Jeff Annesi and the late Greg Galdes) Galdes, and Alexander (Keri). Cherished grandfather of Eddie, Josh, Jennifer, Katie, Andrew, Patricia, Jordan, Monica, Christopher, Nicholas, Maria, Jack, Max, Yvonne, and the late Bethany and Scott. Adored great-grandfather of Cameron, Olivia, Braden, Lazarus, Peter, Cecelia, Gloria, Jonathan, Adelyn, Charlotte, Dominic, Josephine, Liam, Lucas, Dominic, Liya, Joseph, Thomas, Hendrick, Max, Francesca, Esther, Elsie, and Sylvia. Dear brother of Richard (Ruth), Amy (Ed) Sitarek, and the late Josephine (Eugene) Kozlowski.

Visitation Monday 2-8pm with a 7pm Rosary at the John N. Santeiu & Son, Inc., 1139 N. Inkster Road, Garden City (between Ford Road and Cherry Hill). In state Tuesday 9:30am until the 10:00am Funeral Service at Church of the Divine Child, 1055 N. Silvery Lane at Wilson in Dearborn.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Bethany Anne Galdes Foundation, a charity close to Ed's heart that helps children suffering from depression. www.bagaldesfoundation.org